Shoot It!

A Product Photography Primer

Need help selling your sweater pattern or any other handmade good online? Caro Sheridan will show you how to compose on-figure fashion photos and capture beautiful product shots.

If you've ever noticed the beautiful product photography on someone's knitting blog, book, or Etsy page, and wondered, "How do they DO that?" this is the class for you. Quality photos make the difference between marketing that sings and stuff that makes you look like a total amateur. Knitter and photographer Caro Sheridan explains it all - from planning before the shoot to editing afterwards, and all the details in between. You don't need expensive software or a super-fancy camera to take great photos -- just the knowledge you'll get in this essential class. Whether you're looking to shoot product pics, or just want to learn more about photography, you will benefit from Caro's upbeat, irreverent and detailed instruction.

Lesson plan

Lesson 1. Introduction

Meet Caro Sheridan, who will show you how to photograph your craft and art products to build your craft business.

9:15

Lesson 2. Motivations & Style

Caro details different motivations for photographers and explains how to achieve your own style.

11:04

Lesson 3. Color Theory

Learn about the color wheel, color schemes and how to tell a story using color.

16:28

Lesson 4. Composition

Learn how to frame your photo using compositional guidelines like the rule of thirds and negative space.

17:57

Lesson 5. Shoot Prep

Caro explains shot lists, permits and model releases you may need and goes over her photography "toolbox" that includes extra memory cards, fashion tape and more.

25:27

Lesson 6. The Shoot

Learn techniques for coaching your model and setting the mood, then focus on getting detail and hero shots.

27:28

Lesson 7. Camera Settings

Caro describes what to look for when buying a new camera and explains various photography terms, including shutter speed, depth of field and white balance.

15:29

Lesson 8. Editing

Go through Caro's photo-reviewing process and find the very best shots from your photo shoot.

16:40

Lesson 9. Post Processing

Learn photo editing techniques and important considerations photographers have to make, including shooting in RAW or JPEG and editing for Web or for print.

6:01

Lesson 10. Bonus: Self-Portrait Tips

Caro shares some tips for getting a great self-portrait for an online avatar photo.

"This class was just what I needed right now and totally what I expected. A primer is basically an introduction and that is exactly what this class was. I just purchased a brand new camera to take better photos of my Etsy items. This class gave me a lot of information that I did not know as a novice photographer. It also made me more comfortable with using my photo editing software. Caro is a pleasant speaker and I enjoyed learning from her." - patcreatesSaugus, MA

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Lesson 1. Introduction

Meet Caro Sheridan, who will show you how to photograph your craft and art products to build your craft business.

9:15

Lesson 2. Motivations & Style

Caro details different motivations for photographers and explains how to achieve your own style.

11:04

Lesson 3. Color Theory

Learn about the color wheel, color schemes and how to tell a story using color.

16:28

Lesson 4. Composition

Learn how to frame your photo using compositional guidelines like the rule of thirds and negative space.

17:57

Lesson 5. Shoot Prep

Caro explains shot lists, permits and model releases you may need and goes over her photography "toolbox" that includes extra memory cards, fashion tape and more.

25:27

Lesson 6. The Shoot

Learn techniques for coaching your model and setting the mood, then focus on getting detail and hero shots.

27:28

Lesson 7. Camera Settings

Caro describes what to look for when buying a new camera and explains various photography terms, including shutter speed, depth of field and white balance.

15:29

Lesson 8. Editing

Go through Caro's photo-reviewing process and find the very best shots from your photo shoot.

16:40

Lesson 9. Post Processing

Learn photo editing techniques and important considerations photographers have to make, including shooting in RAW or JPEG and editing for Web or for print.

6:01

Lesson 10. Bonus: Self-Portrait Tips

Caro shares some tips for getting a great self-portrait for an online avatar photo.

The instructor

Caro Sheridan, Instructor of Shoot It!

Caro is a freelance photographer, specializing in knitting and crochet, who knows the tricks of the product photography trade. She is also the co-author of Knitting It Old School.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(64 reviews)

Selfie Tips

by Jane Maas on January 10, 2015

Thanks Caro...a pleasant presentation with helpful tips!

Thanks Caro...a pleasant presentation with helpful tips!

Value For Money

by Linda Russ on January 9, 2015

Thus far, Shoot It, has been amazing.Full of wonder tips, practical information and delivered in a seamless manner, this E-Course is value for money.

Thus far, Shoot It, has been amazing.Full of wonder tips, practical information and delivered in a seamless manner, this E-Course is value for money.

Great Tips For A Beginner

by Elfi Rose on December 4, 2014

I recently invested in a nice new camera in order to take photos of the happenings in my life, including finished knitting projects. I figured, apart from the camera upgrade itself, I could use some instruction on the artistic side of photography and the set up. The information in these lessons is definitely helpful, because my photos have certainly become better!

Thanks Caro

I recently invested in a nice new camera in order to take photos of the happenings in my life, including finished knitting projects. I figured, apart from the camera upgrade itself, I could use some instruction on the artistic side of photography and the set up. The information in these lessons is definitely helpful, because my photos have certainly become better!

Thanks Caro

Great Photography Class

by KnitterDitter on October 21, 2014

Great class! I love all the information, especially about lighting. I have struggled with that and Caro gave me some new ideas. I take product shots for a friend's jewelry shop on Etsy, so I learned so much. I tweak in Photoshop way too much, so all the info about getting it right in the camera is awesome.

Great class! I love all the information, especially about lighting. I have struggled with that and Caro gave me some new ideas. I take product shots for a friend's jewelry shop on Etsy, so I learned so much. I tweak in Photoshop way too much, so all the info about getting it right in the camera is awesome.

Loved this class!

by Karen Whooley on September 26, 2014

I have been struggling with photos for my patterns for a long time! Caro really helped me see what I was doing wrong!

I have been struggling with photos for my patterns for a long time! Caro really helped me see what I was doing wrong!